USDOT number for in-state trucks: required · State operating authority: yes, see below · State insurance minimums: yes, see below · UCR participant: yes · State trucking taxes or permits: Spring (frost law) weight restrictions, MDOT oversize/overweight permits.
What Michigan requires of trucking companies
- USDOT number for trucks that stay in MichiganMichigan State Police lists a valid USDOT number among the requirements for intrastate-only for-hire carriers seeking state authority when their vehicles exceed 26,000 lbs GVWR. A separate state rule for private intrastate carriers or lighter vehicles was not confirmed. Source
- Michigan operating authorityUnder the Motor Carrier Act (PA 254 of 1933), intrastate for-hire carriers must get CVED Authority from the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division before operating, and must renew it each year with vehicle decals. Household goods carriers also file a Form H cargo certificate. Bus passenger carriers are regulated separately under the Motor Bus Transportation Act. Source
- Insurance minimums for intrastate carriersIntrastate for-hire carriers must have their insurer file a certificate of liability and a Form E with MSP/CVED. J.J. Keller's state summary lists the minimums as $750,000 combined single limit for vehicles over 10,000 lbs, and $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury with $50,000 property damage for lighter vehicles. Source
Once a Michigan truck crosses a state line
Federal rules add a USDOT number, MC authority and a $750,000 minimum for general freight (details). Michigan is a UCR participating state.
Michigan trucking taxes and permits
- Spring (frost law) weight restrictionsEach spring, MDOT cuts legal axle weights on routes designated as seasonal: by 25 percent on concrete and 35 percent on asphalt pavement. Some vehicles are also limited to 35 mph on those routes. Source
- MDOT oversize/overweight permitsMDOT issues the permits for loads that exceed Michigan's legal size or weight limits on state trunklines. Source
Workers’ comp for Michigan trucking companies
Private employers must carry workers' disability compensation coverage if they regularly employ three or more workers at one time. The same applies if at least one worker has worked 35 or more hours a week for 13 weeks or longer in the past 52 weeks. Michigan is not a monopolistic state-fund state, and most employers insure through private carriers. Source
Where Michigan trucks run
The main corridors are I-94, I-75, I-96, I-69 and I-196. The Detroit–Windsor crossings (Ambassador Bridge and the new Gordie Howe bridge) and the Blue Water Bridge at Port Huron are among the busiest US–Canada truck gateways. The busiest freight markets include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo and Saginaw.
Michigan allows multi-axle trucks to run up to 164,000 lbs gross on 11 axles, far above the federal 80,000-lb standard. Its no-fault auto system means commercial vehicle policies must include Michigan personal injury protection (PIP) and property protection coverage.
Michigan trucking by the numbers
| Measure | Michigan | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for-hire carriers (October 2025 to September 2026) | 2,780 | #12 of 51 | +12.7% from the year before; 63% started with a single power unit. |
| Deaths in truck crashes, 2024 | 102 | #18 of 51 | 90 fatal crashes among 5,507 reportable truck crashes; 994 deaths 2016–2025 (2025 preliminary). |
| Vehicles placed out of service at roadside inspections, 2025 | 26.9% | #17 of 49 | 44,039 inspections; drivers out of service 8.1% (US: vehicles 22.3%, drivers 6.1%). |
| Trucking companies that lost operating authority, 2025 | 1,290 | #17 of 51 | 12.2 for every 10 companies granted authority that year; 102 more suspended for cancelled insurance under Motus since June 2026. |
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 13 | #44 of 51 | Most often for flood, severe storm. |
From the public FEMA, NOAA, Storm Prediction Center, USGS and FMCSA records behind each linked report; ranks count all 50 states and Washington, DC unless noted.
Common questions
Do I need a USDOT number for intrastate trucking in Michigan?
Michigan State Police lists a valid USDOT number among the requirements for intrastate-only for-hire carriers seeking state authority when their vehicles exceed 26,000 lbs GVWR. A separate state rule for private intrastate carriers or lighter vehicles was not confirmed.
What insurance does Michigan require for intrastate trucking?
Intrastate for-hire carriers must have their insurer file a certificate of liability and a Form E with MSP/CVED. J.J. Keller's state summary lists the minimums as $750,000 combined single limit for vehicles over 10,000 lbs, and $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury with $50,000 property damage for lighter vehicles.
Is workers’ comp required for a trucking company in Michigan?
Private employers must carry workers' disability compensation coverage if they regularly employ three or more workers at one time. The same applies if at least one worker has worked 35 or more hours a week for 13 weeks or longer in the past 52 weeks. Michigan is not a monopolistic state-fund state, and most employers insure through private carriers.
Sources
- Michigan: USDOT number for intrastate carriers
- Michigan: Intrastate insurance minimums
- Michigan: Workers’ compensation
- Michigan: Spring (frost law) weight restrictions
- Michigan: MDOT oversize/overweight permits
- FMCSA: States that require intrastate carriers to obtain a USDOT number
- FMCSA: Insurance filing requirements (49 CFR 387)
- Unified Carrier Registration
General information as of October 2026, not legal advice; confirm current rules with the agency.